For those of you who don't subscribe to the Flash Report published by Jon Fleischman, I'd like to reprint (without permission, but I'm sure Jon won't mind) his commentary from yesterday's Flash Report on Spitzer's bid to unseat Tony Rackauckas. Fleischman combines political savvy, commitment to principle and clear-headed analysis to his activism, and I always accord his insights considerable weight:
I attended a fundraising event for Orange County District Attorney Rackauckas last night -- over 400 people and a ton of $$ raised (well over $100,000). The attendees were a who's who of leaders from around Orange County -- Orange County GOP Chairman Scott Baugh's (the event Master of Ceremonies) and Sheriff Mike Carona's introduction and praise for Rackauckas set the tone for a great evening. For those of you who do not know Tony, he is a loyal conservative Republican DA in my county, who has been extremely supportive of the Party, and the movement. Not only should he be re-elected, but enthusiastically so!
Curious then is that GOP Assemblyman Todd Spitzer seems to have his aim on knocking off Tony, and becoming our county's DA. First and foremost, I do not question Spitzer's right to run -- it is, after all, a free country.
That having been said, when we have an incumbent who is rock-solid like Tony, my opinion is that it is a bad idea for someone from his own party to challenge him. It begs the question of Spitzer's motives, which seem selfish. All of that having been said, in my opinion, Spitzer's amassed campaign funds will not be enough to elect him over the incumbent, with the huge breadth of support that Tony enjoys. Perhaps Spitzer should think about running for Attorney General, or Secretary of State. Shifting the focus of his future away from challenging a loyal, capable District Attorney would be a marvelous demonstration of teamwork, and loyalty to the conservative movement. Let's see if Spitzer is up for THAT challenge!
Well said, Mr. Fleischman.
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